Liam Neeson is an iconic actor known for his work in some classic and award-winning movies. His performances in action, drama, and adventure movies have made him one of the most respected and sought-after actors in Hollywood. He has some amazing movies to his credit that are favorites of many fans and movie buffs. Here is a look at some of the best Liam Neeson movies you should watch.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
Schindler’s List is one of the most memorable movies in Neeson’s career. He plays the role of the German industrialist Oskar Schindler who was credited with saving more than one thousand Jewish lives during the Holocaust. The powerful movie brings out the complexity of man’s nature and the eternal power of empathy. Neeson manages to bring the human side of Schindler to life with a heartfelt and nuanced performance that are worth watching.
2. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
Neeson featured in one of the most highly anticipated Star Wars movies as Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, a mentor to Obi-Wan Kenobi. His performance in the role, along with Ewan McGregor’s portrayal of the young Obi-Wan, added depth to the Star Wars franchise and started a memorable legacy of inter-generational bonds among characters.
3. The Grey (2011)
The Grey is one of the most underrated movies in Neeson’s career. He uses his resources to portray the chief of an oil drilling company who is one among six survivors of a plane crash in the Arctic. His attempts create a strong bond with the group and fight a pack of wolves which eventually becomes their biggest challenge.
4. Taken (2008)
Taken marked a shift in Neeson’s career that saw him transitioning from an actor in serious movies to an action star in his own right. He plays the role of a retired CIA agent who is tracking the kidnappers of his daughter and is hell-bent on bringing her back. The movie was made in a light vein and showed that Neeson can be a bad-ass with a purpose.
5. Love Actually (2003)
Love Actually puts an interesting spin on romance, and Neeson plays a supportive stepfather trying to keep his son in line. His character may not be a complex one but it is memorable and manages to drive plot points in the movie. His scenes are well executed and the sweetness of his character easily wins over the audience.
6. Batman Begins (2005)
Neeson plays the role of Henri Ducard, mentor of Bruce Wayne in Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins. Though his role is limited, Neeson adds power to the movie with his stirring performance. He brings out the complexity of the character and offers an interesting contrast to the dark side of the movie.
7. Gangs of New York (2002)
Gangs of New York is a well-crafted movie set in the hustle and bustle of New York City in the 1800s. Neeson plays the role of Priest Vallon, leader of the Irish gang, and goes head-to-head against Bill the Butcher, played by Daniel Day-Lewis. Neeson brings his usual charm and intensity to the role, and the fight scenes in the movie are especially memorable.
8. The A-Team (2010)
The A-Team is an enjoyable movie full of action, adventure and humor. Neeson essays the role of Hannibal Smith, the leader of the team and mastermind of the plans. Despite a rushed plot with some later parts feeling rushed, Neeson’s performance makes it worthwhile to watch.
9. Non-Stop (2014)
Neeson returned to his action hero image with the success of Non-Stop. He plays the role of an air marshal trying to uncover the identity of the person responsible for threats against a flight, which leads to a sequence of tense moments. Neeson makes for an intriguing and chilling hero who remains composed even when lives are at stake.
10. A Monster Calls (2016)
A Monster Calls is an emotional fantasy drama where Neeson voices an enormous walking tree, a monster come to life. While Liam Neeson’s character doesn’t have a lot of screen time, he expresses emotional turmoil and brings comfort to the young boy at the center of the movie.
Whether you’re a fan of Liam Neeson or not, these movies are worth a watch. Whether you like intense dramas, emotion-packed fantasies or light and fun action adventures, Neeson is an actor who brings his distinct presence that further enriches the quality of the movies. So, go ahead, pick one of these movies and enjoy the best of Liam Neeson.
